I know the 317 has the hammer and single/double action choice. I like the front sight white dot contrast on the 43C but sure about DAO and the higher trigger pull that comes with that. Trying to figure out which one to purchase,any thoughts; Pros Cons from members would be appreciated.

I can't comment on the 43C...don't have one of those. I have hammerless, shrouded hammer and standard hammer guns. I prefer the shrouded, or standard hammer guns as I can take better aimed single shots. I find with the 317 it is much easier to fire if you simply lift the hammer a bit with the trigger to get your thumb over the nose and then cock it for SA. The knurled tip of the small hammer on the 317 can be a thumb-eater....especially for the little lady. I taught the wife how to do it this way and she is very comfortable with it. I have heard some say the 43C TP is a little better, but I don't see how unless they have different springs. It's easy enough to install a spring kit in either one. I won't say anything bad about the 43C as I have no experience with both...only the 317.

I have owned two 317s, a 2 inch fixed sight and the 3 inch Kit Gun w/adj. sights. Enjoyed both and my father-in-law still has the 2 inch gun. Have owned a 43c for about 2 months, approx. 500 rounds thru it. Extremely happy with it. Did a back to back shoot with 317 and 43c couple weeks back. Shooting both DA, trigger is about the same. That big white dot sight on 43c wins out for my bifocaled eyes. I like the 43c so well that when I found a 351c (22 mrf) used at lgs I bought it too. Only 50 rounds thru that one so far. Hope this helps.

I recently had to make the same choice and I went with the 43C. The ability to cock the hammer is not important to me as far as the J Frame is concerned. I also prefer the black finish of the 43C, which I believe is much more durable than what is used on the 317. My 43C has about as perfect a trigger pull as I expect for a rimfire revolver; either that or I've been shooting heavy springs for so long that even heavier pulls seem light. I was afraid that the big white dot would lead to imprecise shooting, but that's not the case and I find my 43C quite accurate. I'm very happy with mine and I'm glad I bought it, expensive as it was.

Dave Sinko

This helps alot since I wear bifocals as well. Been talking with a guy at work and he was talking about the negatives of the DA trigger pull. I have been leaning towards the 43C, thanks for the response.

I prefer the 43C finish as well. Thanks for taking the time to respond, I see a trip to my LGS this week to place my order for a 43C.

I too have been thinking that I "need" a 43C. What's holding me back...the fact that it is almost exactly $200 more than I paid for the 442 that I bought a year ago. My LGS has several 43Cs at $542+ tax. Still have to think on it a bit more. Can I afford it? Yep. Do I want to spend it.............

Tom

The 2" 317 is a great snub. Perfect for cost effective range fun, and also for practicing how to shoot a J-frame. It can serve as a lightweight carry gun as well, although I'm not looking to ignite the ".22 as a self defense round" debate.

__________________
I'm with the banned ...

I don't need it I just want it...and it helps when the wife says, "just go buy the gun already".

With the 43c using the new type of firing pin (which they should have used all along), the trigger pull is just as easy as any other J Frame.
Does anyone know if they changed the firing pin design on the newest 317s?

Orderd the 43C today

Two words, Very Happy!

Please explain to me..."the new firing pin design". Some of the aftermarket spring providers offer a longer firing pin and maybe a lighter firing-pin return spring....does this mean they have backed-off the hammer spring and reduced the TP due to a firing pin change?

Some folks seem to think a concealed hammer gun has a better trigger and I am one of those. My 640 just naturally feels better than my Model 38-2. I don't know if it's the hammer design or the lack of a hammer-block to have to move in the 640.